SCIATICA

Sciatica is a symptom caused by irritation, compression or damage to the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve is a nerve that starts from your lower back and then runs through the buttock muscles and down through your lower back to your foot. It provides sensation to the leg and controls the leg muscles.

Sciatica - Symptoms

Sciatica commonly refers to pain, tingling, pins and needles, numbness, burning or weakness typically going down one leg. In severe cases, the sciatica symptoms can be present in both legs. It can cause pain so severe that walking may be difficult.

Sciatica - Causes

It is important to know that sciatica is a symptom rather than the problem itself. Common causes of sciatica include:

• Disc bulge
• Disc degenerative disease
• Spinal stenosis- where the spinal canal narrows, and may compress the sciatic nerve or spinal cord
• Irritation of the nerve root as it exits the spine
• Piriformis syndrome- tightness in the buttock muscles that the sciatic nerve runs through
• Damage to the sciatic nerve
• Spinal or pelvic fractures
• Less commonly, tumours

Sciatica - Diagnosis

If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek the advice of your doctor or physiotherapist immediately. A physioFIX physiotherapist can help diagnose a lumbar disc bulge based on your history, symptoms and presentation. Investigations such as X-rays, CT scans or MRI scans can sometimes be used to supplement a physiotherapy assessment.

Sciatica - Treatment

Physiotherapy treatment for sciatica may include:

• Mobilizations of your lumbar spine
• Soft tissue work in your lower back and buttocks to reduce muscle spasm
• Stretches
• Core stability exercises including Pilates
• Acupuncture
• Electrotherapy
• Hydrotherapy
• Postural taping
• Postural and activity advice

Whilst you are recovering, it is important to avoid postures or activities that can aggravate the nerve. This commonly includes forward bending positions or lifting your leg up with your knee straight and hips bent. 

Sometimes gentle stretching can help relieve your symptoms, other times even this may aggravate your pain. This is why it is important to see your physioFIX physiotherapist to get a program tailored to your specific condition.